Christian Careers & Jobs

Professor
It is notable that among the top 40 places listed in 2006 by “Christianity Today” as the best places for Christians to work, several were either Christian colleges or seminaries. A case can be made that working as a professor in a Christian college, university or seminary is the best career for Christians to have. College professor careers regularly rank among the top jobs in prominent publications like “Money Magazine.” College professors may only work nine months of the year, unless they teach summer courses. To work as a professor, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree for some positions, but for most you will need a Ph.D. or the equivalent doctorate in your field of expertise. According to Payscale, college professors nationwide made an average annual salary of $57,630 to $103,937, as of October 2010.

Minister
Although it might seem a little obvious that a career in ministry would be a natural choice for Christians, not everyone is suited for such a career. Christians with excellent interpersonal skills and a desire to help people are best suited for these positions. Ministry positions include work as a pastor, evangelist, children’s minister or educator, youth minister or even as a music minister. Among the top places for Christians to work, “Christianity Today” listed several churches and ministries like Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, and City Team Ministries in San Jose, California. Clergymen can work in a variety of settings in addition to churches. Some serve as hospital chaplains or even work in the military. Payscale notes that the average salary of clergymen nationwide was $35,380 to $54,885 in October 2010.

Teacher
Also listed among the top places to work, many Christian schools provide an excellent career option. Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield, Illinois, and Stoneybrooke Christian Schools in San Juan Capistrano, California, were listed among the top places for Christians to work by “Christianity Today.” Christian teachers have tremendous influence on the lives of children. Whether they work at a private Christian school or in the public school system, Christian teachers provide children with developmental and spiritual support through formative periods in their lives. Teacher salaries vary widely by state. Payscale notes that the highest-paid teachers made $70,394 in California in 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that teachers in 2008 made a median annual salary of $47,100 to $51,180 nationwide.